only needs usb driver

Should be quite simple. Wondering how much hardware similarity between the 2011/2012 ranges and if its the same code base compiled for new hardware.

Going to be an interesting year seeing how smart TV's shape up against google and apple tv.

My preference is for high quality dumb panels. Focus on sound and picture, If I want smart features I will add it from my blu ray device or media box.

Remember the old sony profeel in the early 80s ahead of its time when consumers were not use to having an external tuner.
Now days satellite, cable, hd all external boxes and multiple remotes. Consumers use to it.
Even a few years ago philips had a nice device with external tuner.

For me its much easier to add and choose apps/services on an external device , instead of the TV.
Tv to me is the end point, like speakers on a hi fi.
Should last years and be high quality.

Should be quite simple. Wondering how much hardware similarity between the 2011/2012 ranges and if its the same code base compiled for new hardware.

Hello,

a similar discussion was raised last year for the 2010 Philips TV purchaser (like me) with the request of an external keyboard for NET TV.
Only a simpe USB driver was enough t implement it.
We're still waiting for it: Philips has said "no" due to "technical" differences between 2010 and 2011 models!

Even the idea of a remote control with integrated keyboard was rejected (on the other side the idea was fully implementd from a famous Philips Competitor's Tv manufacturer )

Ok Philips has given a similar App for Android Phones but I can't buy an Android mobile phone to type sentences on the You Tube or Dailymotion NET TV display.

@GPDawes
I fully agree with you - Skype mic&cam needs ONLY an USB driver(and HW kit of course). Even keyboard&mouse drivers are currently present on 2011 8&9 series. So pleae PHILIPS, do not put your premium customers aside, with adding this only for 2012 models!
And yes - TVs must be just dumb panels with best possible PQ, without even tuners integrated in them. Tuners, STB, OTT devices shall be sold separately, according the specific requirements of the user.

In deep thought about this,
I am doubting explanation now, so many other sets have this feature, even lower end.

There are not 2 video streams. there is a USB data stream for users camera, the camera is not throwing out video, its throwing out digital data, and possibly a video stream or data stream for incoming. All processed could be by application to throw video at interface/display.

if you implement Skype, the whole (software) architecture must be adjusted. Just compare it with e.g. Internet Explorer 9 - due to the architecture the IE9 does not work on Windows XP. Just my 2 cents...

Nice comparison.
IE9 doesn´t run on XP because Microsoft has to change some operating system features like hardware acceleration, but XP is running out of support (after 13 years!!!).
Philips has to change some software features, but 2011 models... (after 1 year!)
You know what i mean?

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